June 26th. Halifax.

 Got into Halifax about 8:30, docked by 9.   Unfortunately we can’t see anything except the port building from our cabin.  We are in cabin 3059 and it has a particially blocked view due to the lifeboats and a light which is alittle disappointing for me.  But we are going on an excursion today to Peggy’s cove.  Dave got off early to check things out.  The historic dock #21 is right next to us.  The is the dock that they used to check in immigrants- sort of like Ellis island. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pier_21

We got off the ship and toured the water front area.  Very nice and well done.  Lots of shops, restaurants and boat opportunities.

 HALIFAX SEAPORT

The Halifax Seaport is a vibrant arts and cultural district found at the south end of the Halifax waterfront. Extending from Piers 19 to 23, you will find artisans, retailers, cruise terminals, event facilities, cafés, galleries, offices, a museum, a university, and a weekend farmers’ market. We invite you to discover the Halifax Seaport!  Upon disembarkation, cruise passengers and crew will find Visitor Services in the Halifax Seaport. Our visitor information desks offer brochures, maps, and recommendations for local attractions, dining, and activities. Visitors can learn about the offerings right in the Halifax Seaport or nearby landmarks, attractions, and events.

 We took and excursion to Peggy’s Cove. Which is about an hour outside of Halifax.  Nice drive out there as we toured thorough Halifax.  Halifax is a large city with about 45,000 people.  There is a large homeless population there due a housing shortage, but the city provides opportunities for them to set up tents and live within an area where several available resources are located.

Peggy’s Cove is a lobster fishing village of about 29 people.  Built on the white rugged granite rocks along the ocean.  There is a beautiful lighthouse there that is the most photographed light house in Canada. We had lunch there.  Of course we had to sample a lobster roll. Sorry no picture. Oh so good.

https://www.novascotia.com/see-do/attractions/peggys-cove-village-and-

Peggy's Cove is a lobster fishing village.

Peggy's Cove Lighthouse

Rock formations at Peggy's Cove

Rock Carving in Peggy's Cove

Back on board in time to attend the port talk.  Viking Ocean Cruises records all port talks so you can watch at your convenience.  Sail away and then dinner.

June 24th - Sail away from New York and on our way to Halifax

Monday June 24th.  We left home at 4 am.  Got to the airport in plenty of time.  Flight was on time and arrived early into JFK.  THEN the lengthy wait began.  Waited almost and hour  for the bus.  Then we waited some more.  Finally got the bus loaded and the traffic out of JFK was a nightmare.  Took us an hour and a half to go about 20 miles to the port.   During our trip to the port we passed this very large cemetery on both sides of the road.

 But finally on board  had lunch, one suitcase unloaded and the other other big one just came.  Still waiting on the little one.  The little one arrived very late but was the most important one.  

Sail away was magnificent as we sailed by Lady Liberty, Long Island and Ellis Island.  The New York skyline was beautiful.

  New York skyline at sailaway.

 Ellis Island

  

Lady Liberty in her glory.

Today ended on a great note even though we were exhausted and in bed by 9.  So great to sleep on the ocean with a gentle rocking.  We dined at Chefs table and had a delicious California themed dinner with crab cakes and halibut.  So good.  We were able to add this additional evening in there without a problem.  

Our Next Big Adventure -- 29 day from New York to Nova Scotia to Greenland, to Iceland then to northern Norway.

 

Here is the map of our trip on the Viking Star.  the Itinerary is below.  I will update as we go along if you choose to follow.

MON JUN 24, 2024 Embark in New York City, New York on Viking Star 07:00 AM 05:00 PM

TUE JUN 25, 2024 Sail the Atlantic Ocean

WED JUN 26, 2024 Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada 09:00 AM 05:00 PM

THU JUN 27, 2024 Sail the Gulf of St. Lawrence

FRI JUN 28, 2024 L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, Canada 09:00 AM 02:00 PM

SAT JUN 29, 2024 Sail the Labrador Sea

SUN JUN 30, 2024 Qaqortoq, Greenland 12:00 PM 08:00 PM

MON JUL 01, 2024 Nanortalik, Greenland 07:00 AM 01:30 PM

TUE JUL 02, 2024 Sail the Atlantic Ocean

WED JUL 03, 2024 Isafjordur, Iceland 01:00 PM 07:00 PM

THU JUL 04, 2024 Akureyri, Iceland 08:00 AM 06:00 PM

FRI JUL 05, 2024 Seydisfjordur, Iceland 12:00 PM 11:00 PM

SAT JUL 06, 2024 Djupivogur, Iceland 07:00 AM 05:00 PM

SUN JUL 07, 2024 Heimaey, Westman Islands, Iceland 09:00 AM 07:00 PM

MON JUL 08, 2024 Reykjavik, Iceland 05:00 AM 05:30 PM

TUE JUL 09, 2024 Isafjordur, Iceland 08:00 AM 05:00 PM

WED JUL 10, 2024 Sail the Norwegian Sea

THU JUL 11, 2024 Sail the Norwegian Sea

FRI JUL 12, 2024 Longyearbyen, Svalbard And Jan Mayen 08:00 AM

SAT JUL 13, 2024 Longyearbyen, Svalbard And Jan Mayen 06:00 PM

SUN JUL 14, 2024 Sail the Barents Sea

MON JUL 15, 2024 Honningsvag, Norway 08:00 AM 06:00 PM

TUE JUL 16, 2024 Tromso, Norway 08:00 AM 06:00 PM

WED JUL 17, 2024 Narvik, Norway 08:00 AM 08:00 PM

THU JUL 18, 2024 Lofoten (Leknes), Norway 08:00 AM 11:00 PM

FRI JUL 19, 2024 Sail the Norwegian Sea

SAT JUL 20, 2024 Geiranger, Norway 08:00 AM 05:00 PM

SUN JUL 21, 2024 Bergen, Norway 08:00 AM

Tuesday June 18th and we begin the packing ritual.  Card table is set up in the bedroom, suitcases are out and a some boxes are filled with things that must go.  Dave's got the camera ready along with a couple of new toys for his iPhone camera.  The excitement builds as we anticipate much cooler weather while on this trip.  We have been following some folks on Facebook that have just finished up or are currently on this trip and the pictures have been amazing.  It will be great to see it in person.   Stay tuned!!

Saturday June 22nd.  It is now 4:10 PM and the big bags are packed and the checklist gone over., The carry on bag is still open and waiting for a few last minute things.  We are prepared with a change of clothes, PJ and meds in case something happens to our luggage.  We always split our clothes - half and one of the big bags and the other half in the other big bag.  Same with our shoes.  With us going to colder weather we need coats, hats and sweatshirts which take alot of room in the suitcase.  But so far they are both under 50 lbs.  This day is the worst day of any trip for me.  It makes me anxious, nervous, irritated, you name it.  At least we have tomorrow to rethink and repack if necessary.  I sure hope not. I need a drink!!

Sunday June 23rd.  This time tomorrow we will be on board the Viking Star and off to Canada. Sail away is at 5 so hopefully we see Lady Liberty on our way out of port.  We take off from here at 4 am.  So I am betting the tomorrow night will be an early one.   Below is the bon voyage card made by our sweet little neighbor girls.  We will miss their sweet faces.

The bags are all packed, locked and ready to be loaded into the car.  Believe it or not all of our stuff is in these two suitcases for 29 days.  Thank Heavens there is a laundry on board and it doesn't cost us anything except our time.  Stay tuned for more as our jouney begins.